Kitchens hold a special place in every household. It serves as the central hub of daily activities. From your morning coffee to your late-night snacks, the kitchen caters to your needs throughout the day. Hence, it's essential to keep it organized and functional.

One way to maximize space in the kitchen is by using open shelving. Open shelving is a growing trend that involves installing shelves without cabinet doors. Let's explore the benefits of open shelving in kitchen design.

Should I Have Open Shelves?

Deciding whether you should opt for open shelves is really a matter of personal preference and consideration of your lifestyle. It’s not that open shelves are better or worse than cabinets. Each has its own pros and cons.

Historically, open shelves were used a lot. Custom-made cabinets were expensive, so open shelves made getting a new kitchen a little more affordable. As custom cabinets became easier to make and more mass-produced, kitchen cabinets became a more accessible and popular option. But now open shelves are making a comeback.

One of my clients was considering open shelves, but she lives with four dogs and two cats. She was always telling me how much she had to clean to stay on top of the fur and dust. I reminded her that anything she put on those open shelves in her kitchen would become a dust magnet and would require regular cleaning. She decided not to have any open shelves.

Another one of our clients is in their golden years, so they don’t have any young kids in their home, and they have no pets. She had a lot of special collectibles she wanted to display on some open shelves in her kitchen. This was a perfect option for her instead of just having glass fronts on her cabinets.

It’s not just about the aesthetics of the open shelves. Think about what you will be putting on those shelves. Are they items you will be using on a daily basis, so dust won’t be collecting on them? Will the items you plan on placing on your shelves actually fit there? Really thinking about what you will display on these shelves will help you determine if this is the right choice for you.

Two Types of Open Shelving

What do you picture when I talk about open shelves in your kitchen? Most of the time, you’ll picture something like a floating shelf or perhaps a shelf with brackets below it for support. That’s what most open shelves in kitchens look like.

However, there is a second option. You can have kitchen cabinets installed without the doors on them. This gives you the look of cabinets with lots of storage, stability, and some protection from dust and damage, but still creates an open and airy look.

One of my clients used this option in her kitchen and applied gorgeous wallpaper to the back wall of these cabinets. It created a beautiful backdrop for the collectibles she was displaying on her 'open shelves'.

Open Shelves Maximize Your Space Options

Traditional cabinets can take up a lot of room and make the kitchen feel cramped. Open shelving allows you to use every inch of available space, including the walls. You can install shelves above the countertop, stove, or sink. You can also install shelves in the corners or above the refrigerator. With open shelving, you can store everything from dishes and glasses to cookbooks and small appliances.

2. Easy Access to Items

With an open shelving design, everything in your kitchen is easily within reach. You can quickly grab what you need. This is especially convenient when cooking or entertaining. You can effortlessly access your favourite dishes, glasses, and serving pieces.

3. It’s Budget-Friendly

Open shelving is the right option if you're on a budget or looking for a quick update. New cabinets aren’t cheap, especially if you're renovating the entire kitchen. With open shelving, you can achieve a modern and stylish look without breaking the bank. You can purchase pre-made shelves or DIY your own. You can also mix and match different types of shelves to create a unique look.

4. Open Shelves Add Visual Appeal

With an open shelf design, you can display your favourite dishes, glassware, collectibles, and décor. This allows you to personalize your kitchen and showcase your style. You can also add plants and cookbooks to your shelves. This is a great way to add colour and texture to a kitchen. Additionally, open shelving can make your kitchen feel brighter and more open.

5. Flexibility in Design

With traditional cabinets, you're limited to a certain look and style. With open shelving, you can mix and match different types of shelves to create a unique look. You can choose from wood, metal, glass, or even floating shelves. You can also play around with the spacing between shelves to accommodate different sizes of items. This flexibility allows you to create a kitchen that suits your style and needs.

If you're looking to update your kitchen's look, consider open shelving as a stylish and functional option. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams!